Explosive cartridge and method of making the same



June 6, 1933. R. l. BAsHr-'QRD f 1,913,259

EXPLOSIVE CARTRIDGE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed July 42o, 1952 s sheets-sheet 1 FLRHQE PVM/m June 6, 1933. I R. l. BASHFOD 1,913,259

' EXPLOSIVE CARTRIDGE AND METHOD OF' MAKING THE SAME Filed July 2o, 1.932 s sheets-sheet 2 June 6, 1933. R. BAsHFoRD 1,913,259 I ExPLos-IvE CARTRIDGE AND METHOD '0E MAKING TEE SAME 5 sheets-sheet s Patented .lune 6, 1933 UNITED sTATEsPATEN-r OFFICE RAYMONiD I. BABHFORD, Ol' PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB TO ATLAS POWDER COHPANY, F WILIINGTON, DELAWVAREJA CORPORATION OF DELAWARE EXPLOSIVE CABTRIDG LD METHOD 0F IAXING THE SAME Application Med July 20,

This invention relates to improvements in explosive cartridges and methods of making the same. The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved ex losive cartridge by means of a novel meth A more specific object of the invention is to provide-an improved explosive cartridge comprising a powder-packed shell container having its ends closed and sealed b cupshaped closure members which fit nice y into the ends of the container andare interlocked therewith and sealed thereto by means of a. self-hardening sealing medium, such as paraffin wax.

Another object of the invention vis to provide a noveLmcthod of making an improved explosive cartridge having the structural characteristics above mentioned.

Other objects and features of the invention will more clearly appear hereinafter as the description proceeds. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of apparatus adapted to carry out the proposed method of making the improved explosive. cartridge ;4

Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view of a part of the apparatus;

' Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view taken along the line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Figs. 4 to 6 are furtherdetail sectional views illustrating clearly this same'part of the apparatus; Y

Figs. 7 to 9 are detail views illustrating another part of the apparatus;

Figs. 10 to 12 are partial perspective .views of the improved explosive cartrid eI further illustrating the proposed mannero construction; and

Fig. 13 is a detail view of still another part. of the apparatus.

Referrin to Fig. 1 for a standin o the proposed met od and apparatus w ich may be used to perform the same, there is shown at 1 a feed hopper'which is adapted to receive powderpacked, cylindrical shell containers 2 having o n' ends which roject beyond the ends o the powder. ll`hese owder-packedV shell containers are prefera )ly formed in the manner and by means of the apparatus disclosed and claimed descri tion, it suices to state that this de- .described in detail later. The shell coneneral underf issn. smal No.. lcasan.

in my co-pending applications, Serial No. 622,979, tiled July 16, 1932, and Serial No. 622,978, filed July 16, 1932. The first of these applications discloses apparatus for advantageously packing powder in shell containers, while the second discloses apparatus for evene ing the ends of the packed powder in each of the shell containers. While it is preferred to pack the shell containers in accordance with 'the teachings of these applications, it will be understood thatthis Ioperation is `preliminary to the method contemplated by the present invention and forms no part of this invention. Accordingly, this preliminary operation may be performed byl any suitable means other than that Iabove mentioned.

Hopper 1 is' adapted to feed the powderpacked shell containers onto intermittently movable conveyor 3, preferably formed of leather or like material and is constructed so asito have spaced projections 5 in order to 'provide seating spaces 6 for individually and successivel receiving the various shell containers an for s acing the containers. The powder-packed s ell containers carried by the conveyor pass successively through a' device 7 to be described in detailhereinafter. For the purpose of the immediate general vice unctions to form cup-shaped closure members and to insert these members vinto the open ends of the containers. With the end closure members thus inserted, the'shell containers pass along a device designated 35 generally by reference character 8 which serves to interlock the closure members with the shellA containers and to seal the ends of the containers. This device will also be no tainers now pass along to the end of conveyor 3 where they are dropped onto an ineline 9, which, in turn deposits them on a screenconveyor 10. 'Ilhis conveyor carries the` containers successivel throu h a sprayving device 11, also descri d in etail here-- ina fter. In each of the operations performed by devices 8 ai1d 11,` a self-hardening sealing medium, which is preferably molten` parain wax, is sprayed or otherwise suitlthis end, the apparatus, designated gener' ably applied to the shell containers and to involved in the proposed-method and referrin particularly `,to Figs. 2 and 6, wherein 'device 7 is illustrated, this device comprises a pair of spaced stationary die members`14 between which conveyor 3 moved. A pair of gripping members 15 arefixedly mount-ed on `the walls 16, which serve to support the die members. Gripping members 15 have their lower depending ends 17 formed to provide a vV-shaped recess having saw-tooth4 gripping surfaces, as illustrated more clearly in Fig. 3. These gripping members are adapted to cooperate with movable gripping members V18 which have their upwardly extending ends formed similarly to the downwardly extending ends of members 15. i

Die members 14 each have a longitudinal bore opening 19 extending therethrough. These die members are recessed at 20 to .provide an annular shoulder 21. A pair of longitudinally movable die members 22 are adapted to cooperate respectively with the stationary die members 1'4. Each of the movable die members has` a projecting punch head 23, which is shaped so as to seat nicely within recess 20 of die members 14. Slid.

able rods. 24 extend centrally through bore openings in die members 22 and are adapted tomove longitudinall with Vrespect to the die members. Suitabl tainers 25 are disposed adjacent die members 14 and serve to support and guide intermittently moving webs 26 of suitable material, such as paper or thin cardboard.

The mechanisms for moving the various -parts of this device are not "shown herein for the reason that the apparatus is not considered to be a part of the present invention and only the essential elements thereof .which are requisite to a clear description of the method are disclosed.

In operation, conveyor 3 movesv intermit- .tently 'through device 7, as above stated, and

between the die members of this device. The conveyor brings the powder-packed shell containers successively to a proper position in device 7 and stops one of the shell containers being illustrated in such position in Fi 2. At this time, the movable 'ripping mem ers 18 move upward and lift t e shell container bodily (see Fig. 4) until it engages the upper stationary gripping members 17 The shell container is now firmly .held between the respective pairs of gripping members. In this position, the container is 1n proper alignment with the openings19 of diemembers 14, as shown clearly in Fig. 5. During this operae guides or re- `Laramie tion, die members 22 move longitudinally and' the punch.heads 23 of these die-members punch disks from the webs 26 and carry these disks into die members 14, as illustrated in Fig. 4. While the formation of only'one of free, the forcing of the disks into openings l 19 causes the peripheral edges thereof to flange, as illustrated. The movable rods carry the cup-shaped members through die membersf14 and into the open ends of the powderpacked shell container which has been brought into alignment with the die.

. shown clearly in Fig. 6.Y Thecupshaped members, as above described. This closure members are of such diameter as to lit nicely 'within the .ends of the shell container andare of such depth as to leave the ends of the shell container projecting beyond the peripheral flange edges of the closure members. The closure members are vpushed into snug engagement with the ends of the powder within the shell container, as illustrated.

, `Rods 24 now recede and die members 22 resume their original position. At the same time, the lower movable gripping members 18 move downward and again deposit the shell container upon conveyor 3.. This container is moved along and the next one takes its place in proper position in device 7. The

operation just described is repeated and the successive shell containers are thus provided with the 'end closuremembers. Each of these successive operations takes place very rapidly so thatthe shell container is lifted from conveyor 3, operated upon, and returned to the conveyor before it starts to move again.

In Figs. 7 to 9, device8 is illustrated in detail. i

- This device comprises a trough 28 to which is aflixed a supporting bracket 29 having upstanding recessed ends 30 which are adapted to receive a'nd support the successive shell containers. The self-hardening sealing me- ,dium above mentioned, which is preferably molten parallin wax, is continuously supplied to the device, via pipe-31, which has conneeted thereto a T-coupling 32 leading to pipes 33 which in turn carry emission nozzles 34 'tat their free ends. A return pipe 35 is connected to trough 28 and serves to return the unused' or excess molten wax to its source, all of which will be more clearly understood hereinafter.

Device 8 further comprises a pair of continuously rotating and reciprocating die members 36 which are rotated and moved V longitudinally by means of suitable apparatus (not shown). As shown clearly 1 n 5 Figs. 8 and 9, each of these rotatable die members has a recessed head 37. The recess 38 ineach of the die heads communicates with a deeper annular recess 39 in 'which are preferably, though not necessarily, provided l0 spaced ridges 40. These ridges have smoothly curved surfaces, -as clearly illustrated. The annular recessis of such diameter that fit will receive the end of the shell container.

As each successive shell container approaches device 8, the operator lifts itfrem conveyor 3 and places it upon the supporting bracket 29, as shown clearl in Fig. 7, whlle the die members 36 are in t e retracted posi- .tion shown. Die members 36 are automatically moved into cooperative relation with the endsof the shell container. The spraying of molten wax serves to coat the inner surfaces of the die members and these surfaces apply the wax to the'ends 'of the shell container. As the ends of the container enter the die members, the extending portions of the ends are curled Orcrimped with the flan es of the closure members, 'as illustrated clear y in Fig. 9. It is to be remembered that die members 36 are continuously rotating and thespaced ridges 40 serve-to effectively curl the ends in the desired fashion. In this manner, the cupshaped closure members are interlocked with the shell container substantially simultaneously with the application of the molten Wax to the container ends. Althou h, the application of the wax and the inter ocking of the cartridge elements is preferably carried out simultaneously, the interlocking or crimping may be done after the application of the wax so long as the wax remains in its molten condition.

After each successive cartrid e is treated in the manner above described y means of device 8, the operator places it again upon conveyor 3. The crimping and spra ing operation can be performed very rapi l Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate the cartridge before and after the operation performed by 7, the ends thereof are as clearly illustrated in Fig. 1.0. After the curling or crimping operation is performed by device 8, Vthe ends gf the cartrldges are formed as shown in 'lhc cup-,shaped closure members are preferably formed from solid disks of paper or thin cardboard. It is customary in using explosive cartridges in mines or like places to place a plurality of them end to end so as to obtain their additive effect. A fuse is introduced part way into the last or top cartrid e. yWhen thus laced in end to end relation, t e cartridges zie end for their successful operation upon t e readyiignition of one' from device 8. After the cartridge leaves device another. In other words, after the last cartridge is ignited by the fuse, the succeeding cartridges must ignite successlvely and qulckly. Heretofore, it has been customar to vuse several pellets comprising 4a stic wrapped in thin waxed or oiled paper and to fold the paper over the ends to protect the powder. `This has resulted in several la ers i of paper which constitute a relatively t ick wall or partition, and. it has been necessary to puncture the folded ends to obtain the proper ignition.l As is well known, mines and like places are damp, andthe punctured ends of the cartridges allow moisture to enter them, thereby tendin to detrimentally affect the cartridge by al owing moistening ofthe powder thereof. Uftimes, the powder is moistened to such an extent as to render the cartridge inoperative. The present invention elimfnates entirely the necessity for puncturing the ends of the cartridges s closure members, these members allow rapid ignition of the successive cartridges.

Instead ofusing thin solid disks to close and seal the ends of the cartridges, thicker disks having erforations therein to render them suitable or rapid ignitionv may be used. Such a disk closure member is illustrated in Fig. 12. The use, of thicker disks with perforations is made practical by the present inventionrdue to the fact that the perforations are clogged with the molten wax during the making of the cartridges. The Wax seals the perforation openings and makes the closure membersy moisture-proof. At the same time, however, the wax filling the holes doesi not interfere with the desired rapid ignition of the `successive cartridges.

After leaving device 8, the successive cartridges pass onto conveyor 10 and into denol vice 11. This device is illustrated more clearly in Fig. 13. It comprises a housing 42 into which pipes 43 and 44 having spray o remission openings extend. These pipes are connected to a common inlet pipe 45 which supplies molten paraflin wax to them. Housing 42 is provided with openings 46 and 47 in its opposite side walls through which conveyor 10 passes. As each cartridge passesV through the housing 42, it is subjected to the spraying action of the various spray pipes from which the molten wax is emitted. Preferably, there are three sets of pipes, each setcomprising those pipes clearly vexcessive molten wax which accumulates, as

at 48, and the wax passes into an outlet pipe 49 connected to the trough-shaped bottom of che housing.

Referring again to Fig. 1, it will be noted that the molten wax for devices 8 and 11 is supplied from a common source 50. VThis source may take the form of a steam heater and to this end, inlet and outlet steam pipes 51 and 52 are provided. The wax injhardcned or semi-hardened condition is placed in the heater and the circulating steam. melts it. A common supply pipe 53 carries the molten wax to the branch pi these pipes leading respective y to devices 8 and 11. A suitable pump 55 is connected in the common supply pipe line 53 and serves to forcibly supply the molten wax to devices 8 and 11. The outlet pipes 35 and 49 of devices 8 and 11 respectively communicatewith a common return pi e 56 leading to heater 50. By means of t is arrangement,

lthe wax is kept continuously circulating and in molten form. It is, of course, apparent that 'any other suitable arrangement for feeding themolten wax to devices 8 and 11 may be used.

After leaving devi 11, the Vsuccessive completed cartridges pass onto incline 13, as previously stated. It is important to note that theproposed method involves several distinct steps, each of which constributesy toward the making of a highly improved article. By applying a self-hardening .medium tothe cartridge ends simultaneously -with lor just prior to the interlocking or crimping action, an eifective sealing of the ends is had. This sealing of the ends as well as of the entire cartridge vis further enhanced by the general spraying in device 11.

The method of-closingl an explosive cartridge as set forth herein is a decided iin; provement over known methods. The principal advantage is the greatly increased war.

ter resistance of the finished product. The use of the cup-shaped closure members compared with the use of a plain disk is greatly advantageous when using' thin members.

Where the finished cartridge is sprayed with paraiiin or othersuitable material after the closure has been made the waterresistance isv considerably greater than if a plain disk'iwere used, but much greater water resistance is obtained when the cup-shaped closure members and the shell container are interlockinglyy rolled simultaneously with the application of liquid parain or other suitable material.

While the novel method of the invention, as well as the improved product resulting therefrom, has been disclosed herein in a preyferred form, it will be understood that various changes and modifications may be s 31 and 45,`

misma vso long as the essential steps of the method are carried out. The invention is to be limited then only by the scope of the appended claims. I claim: Y

1. A method ofy making an explosive cartridge, which comprises packin explosive powder in a` shell containerhaving at least one open end so that the open end extends beyond the powder, placing a thin cup-shaped closure member in the open end of said container so that the peripheral wall of said member and the extending end of said container are juxtaposed, and applying to said wall and said end a self-hardening sealing medium in unhardened state and simultaneously interlocking said wall andsaid end.

2. A method of making an explosive cartridge, which comprises packing explosive powder in a shell container having at least one open end so that the open end extends beyond the powder, forming a thin cup-shaped closure member of such diameter and depth that it will fit in the end of said container -and the extending end of said container will extend beyond the peripheral wall of said member, placing said member in the open end of said container against said powder, and applying to said wall andsaid end a selfhardening. sealing medium in ,unhardened state and simultaneously interlocking said wall and said end.

3. A vmethod of 'making an explosive cartridge, which comprises packing explosive powder in a shell container having at least one vopen end vso that the open end extends 1 beyond thev powder, yforming a thin cup- 4. A method of making an explosive cai'- n tiidge, which comprises packing explosive .powder in a shell container having at least on'e open end so that the open end extends beyond the power, foi-ming a thin cup-shaped 1 closure member of such diameter and depth that it will fit in the end of said container and the extending end of said container will exi tend beyond the periplieralwall of said niember, placing said member in the open end of said container against said powder, applying to said wall and said end a scaling niedium in unhardened state and simultaneously rolling said wall and said end into interlocking relation, and applying-to the completed cartridge a sealing medium in unhar ened state.

5. A method of making explosive cartridges, which comprises acking explosive powder in a pluralit o shell containers having open ends so t at the open ends extend beyond the powder, successively punching thin cup-sha ed closure members from moving webs, said members being of such diameter and depth as to fit in the ends of said containers with'the extendi ends of said containers projecting beyon the peripheral walls of said members, insertin the successively formed members in the en sof successive containers against the powder therein, and applying a selfhardenin sealing medium in nnhardened state to t e peripheral walls and ends of the successiveliy associated members and containers and simu tancously interlocking said walls and ends.

6. A method of making explosive cartridges, which comprises acking explosive powder in a plurality ci) shell containers having open ends so that the open ends ex- 25. tend beyond the powder, successively punching thin cup-shaped closure members from moving webs, said members being of such diameter and depth as to fit in the ends of said containers with the extendin ends of said containers projectin beyon the peripheral walls of said memers, insertin the succeively formed members in the en s of successive containers a ainst the powder therein, appl ing a sel -hardening sealin medium in nn ardened state to the periphera walls and ends of the successively associated members and containers and simultaneously interlocking said walls and ends, and applying a self-hardening sealing medium in un- 0 `hardened state to the successively completed cartridges.

7. A method of making an explosive cartridge, which comprises packing explosive powder in a shell container havin at least one open end so that the open en extends beyond the owder, lacing a cup-shaped closure inem r capa le of rapid ignition transfer in the o n end of said container so that the periphfral wall of said member and the extending end of said container are juxtaposed, and applying to said wall and' said end a sealing medium in unhardened state and simultaneously Iinterlocking said wall and said end.

66 Y RAYMOND I. BASHFORD. 

